This Way Up

Just east of Jerusalem, the construction on the wall of separation continues a few meters from a senior citizen’s home. Its unavoidable and spectacular progression gradually isolates the residents from the world of the living, as both visitors and staff face more obstacles with each passing day. A haunting soundtrack of bells and chimes accompanies elderly patients sleeping in wheelchairs, and silhouetted staff members walking down long hallways with glistening floors. Certain individuals continue to protest the barrier wall construction due to feelings of rejection, anger or nostalgic longing for their lost freedom. While presenting the painful sense of despair that rises in the home, this film also captures a sense of levity and hope in its use of rich colours and portrayals of simple pleasures.